Need help deciding on a upgrade path ...

D

Dulak

Limp Gawd
Joined
Oct 12, 2005
Messages
316
What I have atm is:
Asus A8R-MVP, ADM 3200+ (not oc), 2-512 pc3700 bh5 and 2-256 pc3200 (just put in since I dont oc), sb aud 2, pny 8800gts, various HDs and DVD roms.

I recently purchased the 8800gts and I'm finding that my scores in games/benchmarks are pretty low (I would have to assume its from running my 3200+(no oc).

I've had some issues with my mb since I bought it last year the a8r-mvp is famous for various technical issues. And I'm about to rma it out finally and see if a refurbed model will improve anything.

I am seriously thinking about upgrading ...
Here are the options I came up with ($ is a big concern so best bang for the buck)

1. Purchase a 4400x2~939 and plop that in when I get my new rma'ed a8r-mvp
I may or may not be able to oc at all; I havnt been able to oc with the current board.
Cost = 230$

2. Purchase a AM2 mb and a AM2 x2 processor and ddr2 ram - would need to sell my 3.2 venice and my memory to help offset the cost.
Initial cost 500$~ - total cost 300$~

3. Purchase a Intel conroe mb and a cheeper conroe cpu - Cost similar to the above but maybe just a bit more expensive (havn't been following intel for awhile so not sure the best products to look at).

Options 2 and 3 look like good upgrade paths but then there is the inital cost and then trying to sell my old parts.

Since I bought the 8800gts I feel that I should give it some cpu power to work with (only fair); and its about time to do a - mediocre upgrade.

What would you suggest for parts with $ being the main issue atm ...
 
option 1 if you're on a really tight budget, which you are.

option 3 if you're looking to overhaul your rig on a budget. and since you're already suggesting plunking down money for a new processor, motherboard, and ram, go for core 2 duos.
 
ya thats what I'm thinking
#1 or #3 all depending on how much I feel I can afford atm ...
I've been using AMD since my old celeron days the err was it the 150 or something (geez cant even remember) ... havnt used a intel since.

Anyways so is the intel core 2 going to be a better bang for the buck then the amd (and more future proof?)
 
Dulak said:
Anyways so is the intel core 2 going to be a better bang for the buck then the amd (and more future proof?)
Click to expand...
Definately.

If you've got $500 to spend up front, go with this (and sell your parts after to offset cost):
$182 - Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Conroe 1.86GHz (review)
$100 - Foxconn P9657AA-8KS2H Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express (review)
$100 - Wintec AMPO 1GB (2x512MB) DDR2-800 (1.8V) 3AMD2800-1G1K-R
=====
$380 + tax and shipping

If you can afford 2GB, go with these sticks (Only $110 more):
$210 - G.SKILL 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2-800 F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ

If you need a PSU and HDD (what PSU do you currently have?):
$50 - XClio GOODPOWER 500W ATX 500W
$58 - Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 ST3160811AS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA300 8MB Cache
$75 - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250620AS 250GB 7200RPM SATA300 16MB Cache

Anything else you need? what PSU and HDD do you currently have?
 
PSU - I am using a 430w antec neoHE ... runs my current system fine ie 3200+, 8800gts (oced), 3 HDs, 2 dvd roms and 2 fans

I have another 250 gig sataII drive to put in (been too lazy to put it in). So I'm ok on HD space. Not exactly sure about if I'll have enough power once I move up to a dual-core cpu.

I've never used a foxconn mb ... can they be used to oc at all?
I was reading about people recommending the gigabyte mb; I dont think I'd ever go sli but who knows ...

ya I really want 2 gigs if I'm going to do a total revamp.

ya thats about 500$ for the upgrade there then whatever I can get for selling my old stuff
 
IMO your antec 430w neoHE is really pushing it, powering a core 2 duo/8800 GTS setup. but i'm no PSU expert, so i recommend looking for jonnyGURU @ PSU section.

i'd go for the 2gb ddr2 kit for "futureproofing" purposes.

if you also do some looking around on the [H] For Sale/For Trade section you'll find some deals that'll help you save some more.
 
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